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Post by julesd68 on Oct 15, 2023 21:59:15 GMT
As I think about a new DAC, in terms of a good match and synergy with the U18, is it simply trial and error, or is there anything in the spec of a DAC that might be useful to look at?
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Post by MartinT on Oct 16, 2023 4:34:25 GMT
If you want the best most symbiotic connection, find a DAC with Gustard I2S compatibility. It sounds far and above AES or any other connection and can pass through an external clock connected to the U18.
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 16, 2023 8:50:06 GMT
Yes, agreed I2S is crucial, but what do you mean by Gustard compatible?
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Post by MartinT on Oct 16, 2023 9:01:51 GMT
I2S comes in a few different incompatible HDMI pinouts. Gustard is one standard, PS Audio another different standard. If you want to be able to use standard HDMI cables, you need to have both ends the same or else use a custom crossover cable made for the two different standards.
EDIT: the U18 can switch between a few: Gustard and Modes 2, 3 & 4. Don't ask me which is which!
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peter
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 19
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Post by peter on Dec 2, 2023 0:45:03 GMT
Hi Martin, can you pls try to help me with an advice in my particular situation ?
So.. I have RME ADI-2 pro FS which I use for mastering music and I want to upgrade it. Now I use AQ Jutterbug FMJ and Inakustik Referenz USB cable plugged into it, and it is directly hooked into my Puritan 156 filter .
The only way I can use DDC with the RME is via AES input. You said there is no point of buying the U-18 if it`s going to be used via AES. Clock as far as I understood works very good with DDCs in general and I am planning to buy the GRIMM CC2 later (if I don`t find something better for that price), and Hypsos hybrid power supply for the RME.
From what I understand so far, best for my situation (AES input into the RME from DDC) would be if i use the Mutec MC-3+ Smart Clock USB (I guess the more expensive unit with the REVIVE re-clocking of the latest generation) OR the GD – DI20HE , which I heard have some driver issues from time to time (I am Windows based tho) , but it probably best soundwise.
So, can you pls tell me, which DDC will you recommend to me ?
I will appreciate if more people join my query !
Thanks !
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Post by MartinT on Dec 2, 2023 8:49:41 GMT
I don't think I said 'no point' but the magic of the U18 is somewhat diminished if you don't use it with an I2S DAC as that is where it shines.
It still works well enough with AES but really comes alive with an external clock in place.
Hard to recommend one over the other as I never had the AudioGD.
What I can say is that the U18 outperformed my Mutec MC-3+ USB especially when used with I2S.
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 2, 2023 9:40:59 GMT
I don't have an external clock at the moment but I must say that I2S from the U18 is a considerable leap up in sound quality compared to AES in my system and I wouldn't go back.
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peter
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 19
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Post by peter on Dec 3, 2023 1:53:34 GMT
Thanks for the replies !
So Martin, do you know of other DDC that works better via AES than U18 ?
Because AES is the only input i have on the RME, and i am starting to think that there is audible reason to use DDC, only if it is via I2S..
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Post by John on Dec 3, 2023 9:25:07 GMT
Honestly the audio gd is excellent via aes
With the U18 you will need to use via I2s to hear it at its full potential
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Post by MartinT on Dec 3, 2023 9:40:09 GMT
The U18 was pretty good on AES with an external clock. Not nearly at the level of I2S, though.
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peter
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 19
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Post by peter on Dec 3, 2023 22:29:18 GMT
Thank you all for the replies, you really helped me ! I am definitely going for the GD !
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peter
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 19
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Post by peter on Dec 11, 2023 23:48:22 GMT
Can somebody tell me, if i want to use my RME ADI 2 pro fs with Gustard U18 via AES, will the RME still be visible through the u18 on my computer (Windows) please ?
I want to use my RME drivers because they are very stable and i need the U18 just for cleaning the signal, is that possible ?
Thanks !
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Post by MartinT on Dec 12, 2023 5:38:00 GMT
No, AES will not pass through any knowledge of what it's connected to.
Even my Rendu connected to the U18 via USB sees only the U18, not the X26 Pro further down the line via I2S. Of course, it has no consequences because the U18 has a highly compatible USB interface. However, there do exist USB drivers for Windows for it. I could not speak to their performance because I do not use them.
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peter
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 19
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Post by peter on Dec 12, 2023 22:49:23 GMT
But.. why AES signal will not pass ??
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Post by MartinT on Dec 13, 2023 5:28:18 GMT
Because AES, like all S/PDIF, is one-way.
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peter
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 19
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Post by peter on Dec 13, 2023 21:37:34 GMT
Totally forgot about that Martin, connection will be only from DDC to RME and not bidirectional like USB does..
Ok, how about if i use the RME to output digital to the DDC, and use DDC only for output to my monitors?
Will there be any benefit of the DDC at all, and will the DDC work this way.. how do you think?
I am asking in general not specifically about the U18, since it only has USB input and RME doen`t have USB out, but other ddcs.
Thanks !
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Post by MartinT on Dec 13, 2023 22:01:57 GMT
Now I'm struggling to grapple with what you're trying to do. The RME is an ADC/DAC, right? Your monitors take digital inputs?
Remember that a DDC like the U18 takes USB input and all the other connections are outputs. The ideal USB feed to it is from a streamer/bridge/file server.
Could you perhaps make a diagram of your setup?
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peter
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 19
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Post by peter on Dec 13, 2023 22:22:44 GMT
Yes, that`s why i am asking about DDCs in general now, because the U18 has only USB input.
I just want to improve and make purer the signal to my RME interface (if this is possible), but i want the RME to be my main interface, not the DDC.. but that looks to be impossible.
I am listening to Dutch and Dutch 8C monitors through AES and my source is a computer.
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